The nation’s top collegiate wrestlers are gathered this weekend at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia for the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Wrestling National Championships. The prestigious event will run from Thursday to Saturday, with ESPN networks providing complete coverage.
Defending champions Penn State enter the tournament as favorites to claim another national title under coach Cael Sanderson. The Nittany Lions, who boast a perfect 15-0 record, feature multiple top-seeded wrestlers, including 125-pound standout Luke Lilledahl, 157-pounder Tyler Kasak, and unbeaten 165-pounder Mitchell Mesenbrink. Additionally, Carter Starocci seeks his fifth career national title at 184 pounds.
Among the standout Penn State wrestlers is Levi Haines, a graduate of Biglerville High School. Haines, last year’s national champion at 157 pounds, is competing this season at 174 pounds and has delivered another stellar season.
The tournament will feature 330 wrestlers competing across 10 weight classes in a double-elimination format. The top eight finishers in each category will earn All-America honors. Penn State will face strong competition from Iowa, Oklahoma State, Northern Iowa, and Nebraska, all boasting talented lineups.
Preliminary matches began Thursday at noon, with the championship finals set for Saturday at 7 p.m.
Source: ESPN